The global stage is no longer a dream—Afrobeats has arrived and is rewriting the rules.
From Lagos to Long Island, Nigerian stars are shining at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, with Rema, Asake, Tems, and Ayra Starr drawing worldwide attention alongside giants like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and South Africa’s Tyla.
Afrobeats at the Forefront
This year’s Best Afrobeats category reads like a Naija all-star playlist:
Asake leads the pack with two nominations:
“Active” with Travis Scott
“Get It Right” with Tems
Tems shares the spotlight for her powerful collab with Asake.
Rema scores a nod for “Baby (Is It a Crime),” marking another high for his genre-bending sound.
Wizkid returns with “Piece of My Heart” featuring Brent Faiyaz—his signature blend of smooth vocals and Afro-fusion intact.
Burna Boy, ever the VMA veteran, clinches two major nominations:
“TaTaTa” (feat. Travis Scott) – Best Afrobeats
“Higher” – Video for Good
Rising global sensation Ayra Starr isn’t left out, earning a nomination for MTV PUSH Performance of the Year with her soul-baring “Last Heartbreak Song.”
Africa’s Sound, The World’s Stage
What was once a niche genre has become a worldwide force. With these nominations, the VMAs are not just nodding—they’re bowing to the genre’s influence. From club hits to socially conscious visuals, these artists are proving that Afrobeats isn’t a wave—it’s the tide.
VMA 2025 – What You Need To Know
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Venue: UBS Arena, Long Island, New York
Broadcast: CBS, MTV, and Paramount+
Voting: Open across 19 gender-neutral categories until September 5
Nominee Spotlight
| Artist | Track(s) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Asake | “Active”; “Get It Right” | Best Afrobeats (2 Nominations) |
| Tems | “Get It Right” (with Asake) | Best Afrobeats |
| Rema | “Baby (Is It a Crime)” | Best Afrobeats |
| Wizkid | “Piece of My Heart” (feat. Brent Faiyaz) | Best Afrobeats |
| Burna Boy | “TaTaTa”; “Higher” | Best Afrobeats, Video for Good |
| Ayra Starr | “Last Heartbreak Song” | MTV PUSH Performance of the Year |
